ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund

At ThinkBIG, we offer more than words of encouragement—we provide real, tangible support. Our vision is a community where families facing pediatric cancer never have to choose between paying bills and caring for their child. We provide financial relief for essential needs like rent, utilities, and transportation. This unique approach ensures parents can stay by their child’s side without the constant stress of mounting expenses. Supporting ThinkBIG means championing hope, stability, and a future where families feel empowered, not burdened.

Carmine’s Story

At just nine years old, Carmine Monacelli was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer. Despite undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Carmine never let cancer take away his spirit. He dreamed big—one day envisioning himself as a marine biologist, the next as a professional wrestler. No matter the setbacks, his positivity and determination never wavered.

Dr. Wesner, ThinkBIG's Founder, visited Carmine often during his treatments, and Carmine’s courage and optimism left an indelible impression. When Carmine passed away in March 2012, his legacy of “thinking big” became the driving force behind ThinkBIG®. Today, the fund continues in his honor, helping families who are navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer.

Why ThinkBIG?

While many organizations focus on funding cancer research, ThinkBIG® addresses another urgent need: the immediate financial hardships families face while caring for a child with cancer. From travel expenses to daily living costs, the burden can be overwhelming.

That’s where your generosity makes a difference. Every gift, no matter the size, directly supports families in need—providing hope, relief, and the reminder that they are not alone.

Where We Serve

We focus on providing financial support to our neighbors. At ThinkBIG, we define our neighbors as the families battling pediatric cancer who reside in, or are being treated in, the following Pennsylvania counties: Blair, Bradford, Carbon, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Elk, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming.

If you or someone you know has a child battling pediatric cancer and resides in, or is being treated in, any of those Pennsylvania counties, please encourage them to apply for ThinkBIG funding through their hospital’s social worker.

Look What Generosity Can Accomplish:

Since our inception, ThinkBIG has supported more than 320 families in 31 counties, providing $1,869,262 in financial support.  The statistics below demonstrate what the intentional generosity of businesses, individuals, and families over time can accomplish for the greater good of families battling pediatric cancer.